Jonathan Woodgate's
return inspired a textbook
European performance
from Stoke
as a last-minute own
goal left manager Tony Pulis
beaming.

Woodgate was at the heart of a
disciplined display that quietened
experienced opponents as Ljubo
Milicevic headed the ball into his
own net in the dying seconds, capping
Stoke's successful re-introducion
into European competition
following a 37-year absence.

Late show: Ljubo Milicevic heads the ball into his own net under pressure from Stoke's Ryan Shotton

Such have been the depth and seriousness of the centre half 's injury problems that this was only his fifth start in three years. And he did not even complete all of those matches, either.

Last night was the first time he had played since Spurs' groundbreaking Champions League victory at the San Siro against AC Milan in February. And while the battle is clearly not yet won, there were few cobwebs as Woodgate appeared unflustered throughout, rolling back the years with a flawless display.

'I thought that both him and Ryan Shawcross were outstanding,' said Pulis. 'I had pencilled Jonathan into this about one week ago because I thought we would need his experience.

'And we did need that experience. We are hoping that this is just the start. We hope Jonathan will get better and better. If he plays the games, he will. But he's certainly taken a real step forward tonight.'

But while Woodgate's display was clearly noteworthy, Pulis insisted that an all-round team effort was the key to their success.

Key man: Woodgate impressed as he lasted full 90 minutes

'I'm very proud of my players,' he said.
'We keep breaking new ground. It's the first time that the club have
played a European tie and gone through. This is another new bridge that
we have crossed. We reached the Premier League a few years ago, got to
the FA Cup final and now this. Three fantastic achievements in such a
short space of time.'

It was a shame for substitute
Ryan Shotton that he was not able
to claim the glory.

The young forward, on as a
substitute, would never have
wanted for a drink again in the
Potteries had he been able to claim
the injury-time goal that finally
decided this tie.

Matthew Etherington's free-kick
was overhit and retrieved on the
right by the industrious Dean
Whitehead. The midfielder crossed
in the direction of the only red and
white striped shirt in the penalty area and it was Shotton's pressure that forced Milicevic to commit his blunder.

Woodgate, who counts Real
Madrid as the pick of a cluster of
big clubs he has played for, was
unflappable as Stoke closed down
every avenue available to the
hosts.

The Potters were riled in the first
half when an elbow on Jon Walters
went unpunished, as did a trip on
Kenwyne Jones as he raced clean
through.

Jermaine Pennant and Matthew Etherington both had their ankles stamped on too by some pretty rugged Hajduk defending that would have caused outrage had it been perpetrated by one of Pulis's men.

It speaks volumes that Asmir Begovic had only one save of note to make as Split enjoyed the overwhelming majority of possession.

Every time the tempo dropped, a firecracker would be let off in the stands and the constant steam of songs urged the hosts forward, piling pressure on referee Andrea de Marco, who booked three Stoke players for time-wasting.

'I hope everyone has a good night tonight,' said Pulis. 'This is a fantastic town. I just want everyone to go home happy.'